Laura Whitmore has been announced as the new host of popular reality TV series Love Island. She replaces the series' former host Caroline Flack.

Whitmore confirmed the news on Instagram on Friday, December 20: "To say I'm excited to be heading to Cape Town to host Love Island, the biggest show on television, is an understatement."

"I want to thank ITV for trusting me at the helm of this huge show," she continued. "I wish it was in better circumstances; Caroline is a brilliant host and friend. We’ve spoken a lot in the last few days since she stepped down. She has been very kind to me and strongly pushed me for this role. I’ve watched her host every series and know I have big boots to fill. I will try and do it justice."

 

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I will be hosting Love Island and Aftersun this series. Whhhhaa??? To say I’m excited to be heading to Cape Town to host Love Island, the biggest show on television, is an understatement. I want to thank ITV for trusting me at the helm of this huge show. I wish it was in better circumstances; Caroline is a brilliant host and friend. We’ve spoken a lot in the last few days since she stepped down. She has been very kind to me and strongly pushed me for this role. I’ve watched her host every series and know I have big boots to fill. I will try and do it justice. Above all, I am a massive fan of this show. I’ve never been to a Love Island villa, and I can’t wait to get in there to meet all the new islanders looking for love. The Love Island team are the best in the business… including the voice and heart of the show, Iain. He thought he was getting a holiday away from me...not a chance

A post shared by Laura (@thewhitmore) on Dec 20, 2019 at 2:07am PST

Caroline Flack stepped down as host of the hit series earlier this week, after being charged with assault. Addressing the controversy on her Instagram stories, Flack stated: "While matters were not as have been reported, I am committed to co-operating with the appropriate authorities and I can't comment further on these matters until the legal process is over."

"In order to not detract attention from the upcoming series I feel the best thing I can do is stand down for Series 6," she continued.

Whitmore joins her boyfriend, narrator Iain Stirling, on the new series of Love Island, which begins on January 12. Read our in-depth interview with the Bray presenter here.